Frankincense is the resin of the Boswellia tree that grows in North Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia. Its oil was obtained by water distillation of dry resin. The fragrant frankincense resin has always been used by many peoples – its properties have been known for 5,000 years. It was originally used for smoking in the religious rites of ancient peoples.
Hippocrates also recommended chewing this herb with honey against coughs and lung diseases. Arab doctors used it to stop bleeding and heal wounds. It was found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun and is mentioned in the story of the birth of Christ, as a gift from one of the sages who came to see the newborn savior. One of the secrets of the beauty of the Egyptian queen Cleopatra was the frankincense oil, thanks to which her face gave the impression of eternal youth and immortality.
Considering it is not possible to cultivate it because it grows only in its own habitat, it is still highly valued today. Today’s scientists are increasingly discovering the many medical benefits of this substance. That explains why it used to be worth as much as gold.
Health benefits of Frankincense essential oil
Reduces anxiety, depression and nervous tension
This essential oil has a sweet, warm and deep scent that evokes a feeling of peace, relaxation and satisfaction. It improves the mood and relieves negative emotions, so it is ideal for meditation. Add a few drops of incense oil to a warm bath or diffuser for stress relief and easier sleep.
Natural oral antiseptic
Due to its antiseptic properties, incense essential oil is an excellent ally in maintaining oral hygiene. In this way, it helps prevent dental health problems such as tooth decay, caries, oral infections and bad breath. You can make your own toothpaste by mixing incense essential oil with baking soda.
A great choice for all types of respiratory infections
This oil strengthens the immune system and stimulates the activity of leukocytes, which are very important in the fight against infections. It also has its anti-inflammatory effect in respiratory infections, colds and flu. It dilutes the thick secretion and helps eliminate it, making it easier to breathe with sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma and allergies.
Relieves indigestion
If you have digestive problems, such as bloating, gas, pain or cramps of various origins, incense essential oil can alleviate and eliminate these discomforts.
Scientists have proven that this oil alleviates inflammatory processes in chronic infections such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Regenerates the skin
Frankincense oil has also shown its effectiveness in cosmetics, by reducing wrinkles and scars from acne and smallpox, tightens the skin and naturally slows down the aging process. It also accelerates skin regeneration and accelerates the healing process of wounds. Recommended for dry and mature skin.
Leads to hormonal balance
It regulates estrogen secretion in women and in postmenopause contributes to reducing the risk of tumors. It also regulates menstrual cycles and reduces PMS symptoms.
Reduces pain in painful joints and muscles
To improve circulation and reduce pain in joints and muscles, try an effective massage with diluted incense essential oil. It has been scientifically proven to have a positive effect on rheumatoid arthritis.
Antitumor activity of boswellic acid
The secret of the healing effect of frankincense essential oil lies in its chemical composition. Boswellic acid, one of the main components of frankincense, showed strong antitumor and anti-inflammatory activity. It works through several mechanisms that prevent the proliferation or spread of cancer cells and reduce inflammatory processes in the body.
Research on the anticancer effect of this amazing oil has been conducted in Britain, Yemen and the United States. The journal “Cancer” published the results of a clinical study on 44 adults, after taking AKBA boswellic acid in the case of cerebrovascular edema that occurs as a consequence of brain cancer therapy. After treatment with 4,200 mg of AKBA boswellic acid, 60 percent of patients had a reduction in cerebral edema to 75 percent and a reduction in neurological symptoms which encourages and leads to new researches on this matter.
AKBA boswellic acid has been well shown in the treatment of patients in advanced stages of ovarian cancer, even when the cells in the ovaries have already become resistant to chemotherapy. It is especially important to note that frankincense oil is useful in many ways and that the patients overcome the resistance to the drug, and the chemotherapy itself was more effective.
Caution!
Frankincense essential oil is not recommended for people who take medications for high blood pressure or blood-thinning. Also, it is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women since there is still not enough knowledge and evidence of its completely safe action during this period.
